• Lower Indian Bathtub Hot Springs sits beneath dramatic cliff just steps from the Bruneau River
Lower Indian Bathtub Hot Springs is a natural hot spring tucked in a remote canyon along the beautiful Bruneau River, about 30 miles south of Mountain Home, Idaho. The large riverside pool is peaceful and surrounded by classic high-desert scenery.
Reaching the hot spring requires a rugged drive followed by a short but steep hike. The final stretch of road is rocky and rough, so a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended. If you don’t have one, park on the flat ground above the canyon and hike the remaining distance to the river.
The pool sits below a cliff that shelters it from most of the wind. The setting feels wild and open, with sagebrush-covered hills, deep canyon walls, and vast desert skies.
Lower Indian Bathtub Hot Springs Experience
Natural mineral water flows up through a bottom, keeping the pool fresh and warm year-round at a steady 102°F.
The soaking pool is large enough to accommodate 4-5 people comfortably. Still, it’s often quiet—especially if you visit early in the day or on a weekday. There’s no sulfur odor here, just the earthy scent of desert air and the nearby river.
Before you go, keep in mind that there are no bathrooms or trash cans - pack out everything you bring.
The trail to the springs is short but steep, about 0.15 miles down from the parking area at the canyon rim. At the bottom, you’ll find a spacious soaking pool tucked into sheltered cove just steps from the Bruneau River.
Lower Indian Bathtub Hot Springs Camping & Lodging
There's an unmarked, primitive camping area near the hot springs. It's totally wild with no bathrooms, no trash bins, no tables, just you and the desert.
If you want more comfort, you'll find lodging in Mountain Home 30 miles north.
Lower Indian Bathtub Hot Springs Idaho | Facts
Location: Bruneau River Canyon • 30 miles south of Mountain Home • Idaho • USA
Open: Late spring to fall (avoid snowy or wet conditions!)
Development: Primitive
Clothing: Optional
Amenities & Services: None
Hiking distance: 0.15-mile trail from parking to pool
Road access: High-clearance 4WD recommended; otherwise, park and hike the last 0.75 miles
Day-use fees: None
Managed by: Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Elevation: 2,650 ft (810 m)
Water T° (pool): 102°F (39°C)
Chemical used: None
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Directions to Lower Indian Bathtub Hot Spring
From Mountain Home,
- Take ID-51 south for 19 miles
- Turn left onto Hot Springs Road; continue 7.5 miles
- Turn right onto Blackstone Grasmere/Hot Creek Road; follow for 0.6 miles
- Bear left onto Wickahoney Road; drive 1.3 miles
- Turn left and continue 0.3 miles
- At the fork, bear right and continue 0.4 miles to the canyon road
- Follow the rough canyon road 0.6 miles to a cliff-top parking area.
Hike 0.15 miles down the trail to the springs.
GPS (Hot Springs): N 42°46.041' W 115°43.622' | 42.76751, -115.72702